Adrian (MI) arrest haunts California congressman
By Dennis Pelham -- Daily Telegram Staff Writer

Groups opposing the Gray Davis recall effort in California recently unearthed references to a firearm arrest in U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa's background. It turned out to have occurred the night of Dec. 1, 1972, while Issa was driving with a woman student in Lenawee Co., MI.

Issa explained to the arresting officer, he was carrying the handgun because it was legal in his home state of Ohio, where he said anyone could carry a concealed handgun if there was a justifiable reason.

"His justifiable reason was for his car's protection and his," Officer Donald Payne wrote in the report 30 years ago.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

It's been nearly four weeks since the Senate adjourned for summer break without appointing conferees to work out differences on Am. Sub. HB12. As Senate leaders enjoy another week in their home districts, the defenseless victim list in Ohio continues to grow.

Akron kidnapping, rape investigated

Columbus woman murdered in road-rage incident

Shaker Heights woman shot in face during purse-snatching

York woman raped, assaulted

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Not all citizens must choose to carry a concealed firearm for Ohio to benefit from the reformation of concealed-carry laws.

Even if these victims had the legal choice to carry and opted not to, statistics and experience prove their attackers would have been more cautious, perhaps even to the point of choosing different targets, aware that their intended victim might be armed. As it stands, and thanks to a few bureaucrats, criminals know they are the ONLY ones who are carrying concealed firearms.

Every day that Ohio's Republican leadership waits to fix Am. Sub HB12 and send it to Gov. Taft increases the defenseless victim list in our state, and forces otherwise law-abiding citizens into making a choice between facing felony arrest or being unable to defend themselves. This simply should not be.

Edgil Eugene Kimbler is suspected in the kidnapping of 3 children in Dixon, Missouri. Police there say he threatened the kids' mother, Kassy Hadley, and shot into the van carrying 5 kids..3 of them fathered by Kimbler. Kimbler is alleged to have taken the 3: Madison Jean Kimbler, Mackenzie Kyla Kimbler, and Corbin Kimbler in a gold or tan SUV with Alabama plates.

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Dixon police believe Kimbler may have fled to the Columbus area because he has a sister-in-law on the West side and he also has brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews in the Central Ohio region. Police say Kimbler is considered very dangerous and is carrying a .22 caliber rifle. He should NOT be approached. If you see him, you're asked to call police.

OFCC PAC Commentary:
As with Ohio, Missouri's state legislature voted overwhelmingly to enact a right-to-carry law this year. And also like Ohio, Missourian's right to self-defense is being held hostage by a liberal governor. Missouri Governor Bob Holden recently vetoed the bill, and many think a vote to override could come down to just one vote.

Thanks to these two governors, criminals can fire into vehicles in Missouri and Ohio, and kidnap their occupants, without fear of an armed response from their victims.

Toledo Blade
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Man hurt as gun goes off while confronting burglars

A Texas man was shot in the leg yesterday when his brother-in-law was loading a revolver and it went off as the two were trying to ward off three masked burglars, Toledo police said.

Alexander Lara, 68, who is visiting Toledo, was in fair condition last night in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

Three men tried to enter his brother-in-law’s house at 822 Yates St. about 5:40 a.m., but the noise from the suspects trying to force open the back door woke the residents, including the homeowner, Joe Lopez, 64.

Mr. Lara went to the back door and held the suspects there, while Mr. Lopez got his unloaded gun. As he was loading it, the gun went off and a bullet struck his brother-in-law. The three suspects fled, police said.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for commentary.

Those who want to put all their eggs in the Ohio Supreme Court basket (or on a greater level, the US Supreme Court for 2nd Am. interpretation) need to look at the kind of wrangling and dancing the Wisconsin Supremes did on this issue.

Concealed arms ban OK
But message mixed as court also reverses grocer's conviction

The state's prohibition against carrying concealed weapons is still legal despite a 1998 constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes, the state Supreme Court ruled today. But in one of two decisions, the court reversed . . .

Click here to read the entire story from the Madison Capital Times.

Also, consider the arrogance of the Nevada Supreme Court, which recently ruled that a part of their constitution, which requires a super-majority to raise taxes, is unconstitutional. Yes, you read that right - they ruled their constitution as unconstitutional.

Click here to read the full story from the Wall Street Journal.

Anyone who says we should stop all work on legislation and wait for the courts needs to keep these examples in mind. The Ohio Supreme Court is not under any obligation or precedent to "do the right thing". In fact, precedent suggests something else entirely.

We cannot count soley on judges to fix this problem and protect the defenseless citizens of Ohio. The Senate leadership has a responsibility to appoint a conference committee for HB12, regardless of Bob Taft's opposition to the right of self-defense.